US Says Iran is the World's Leading Sponsor of Terrorism

US special envoy to Iran Robert Malley in Rome (AP)
US special envoy to Iran Robert Malley in Rome (AP)
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US Says Iran is the World's Leading Sponsor of Terrorism

US special envoy to Iran Robert Malley in Rome (AP)
US special envoy to Iran Robert Malley in Rome (AP)

US State Department spokesman Ned Price described Iran as "the world's leading sponsor of terrorism."

During a press briefing in Washington, Price commented on the European Parliament's resolution to declare the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a foreign terrorist organization.

He confirmed that this is a recognition by European partners that "Iran is the world's leading sponsor of terrorism. There is no more nefarious exporter of international terrorism than Iran."

He pointed out that "there is no disagreement between the United States and our European allies on this. We're also clear-eyed about the need to cooperate to counter the threats posed by the IRGC over the past – well, certainly in recent years."

Referring to the suppression of widespread protests in Iran during the past months, Price noted that Europe, the United States, countries around the world, and regions around the world "have seen all too vivid demonstrations of the lethality of the IRGC, of its repugnant willingness to take innocent lives in its operations."

"We're committed to continuing to work with the EU and with other allies and partners on this very challenge."

He stressed that the United States condemned any threat to US citizens, noting that "we take such real threats seriously, and we're prepared to respond and respond decisively if appropriate."
However, Price did not comment on reports of a meeting between the US special envoy to Iran, Robert Malley, and Iran's permanent representative to the UN, Saeid Iravani.

The opposition "Iran International" website reported that Malley met with Iravani in New York at least three times during the last two months.

"We have the means to deliver specific and firm messages to Iran when it is in America's interest to do so," he said, adding that "we're not going to get into details about how we deliver these messages, except to say that we do so in close coordination with allies and partners."

Price said that the US has consistently conveyed three messages: stop killing peaceful protesters, stop selling weapons to Russia to kill Ukrainians, and release the US citizens that were wrongfully detained.

Furthermore, the Iranian representative denied the report, asserting that Iranian officials had not held any "discussions" with US officials.

Meanwhile, Senior Advisor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Richard Goldberg said that the US Congress should thoroughly investigate reports regarding a meeting between Malley and the Iranian ambassador.

Goldberg stated that anyone involved in this should be asked to testify, adding that all Americans should condemn this "betrayal of the Iranian people."



Belgian King Denounces Gaza Abuses in Unusually Direct Remarks

Belgium's King Philippe delivers a speech on the occasion of the upcoming Belgian National Day at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo
Belgium's King Philippe delivers a speech on the occasion of the upcoming Belgian National Day at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo
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Belgian King Denounces Gaza Abuses in Unusually Direct Remarks

Belgium's King Philippe delivers a speech on the occasion of the upcoming Belgian National Day at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo
Belgium's King Philippe delivers a speech on the occasion of the upcoming Belgian National Day at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo

Belgium's King Philippe described abuses in Gaza as a "disgrace to humanity" in a speech on the eve of Monday's national day, unusually direct remarks on international affairs from a monarch who traditionally avoids public politics.

"I add my voice to all those who denounce the serious humanitarian abuses in Gaza, where innocent people are dying of hunger and being killed by bombs while trapped in their enclaves," he said speaking at his palace in Brussels, Reuters reported.

"The current situation has gone on for far too long. It is a disgrace to all of humanity. We support the call by the United Nations Secretary-General to immediately end this unbearable crisis."

It was the first time Philippe has spoken out so strongly and unambiguously about a conflict in public. Belgium's federal government has been more reserved in its criticism of the conflict in Gaza.

The king's role in Belgium is limited to giving advice, support, and warnings to the government without making any political decisions.

Israel launched its assault on Gaza following an October 2023 attack on Israeli towns by Hamas-led fighters. Since then, Israeli forces have killed more than 59,000 people in Gaza, according to health officials there. Much of the territory has been laid to waste and Israel has restricted food and other supplies.

Israel denies that its forces commit abuses in Gaza and says restrictions on supplies are needed to prevent aid from being diverted by militants.